As a digital nomad living in Lisbon, one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences has been learning the Portuguese language. Whether you’re here for a short stay or planning to make Portugal your permanent home, mastering the local language is essential to fully immersing yourself in the culture and making the most of your time here. In this beginner’s guide, I’ll share some of the key phrases and tips that have helped me navigate life as a digital nomad in Lisbon.
Basic Portuguese Phrases
Here are a few basic words and phrases that will come in handy during your stay in Portugal, think of these as the fundamentals that everyone should know on arrival :
- Hello: Olá
- Goodbye: Adeus
- Yes: Sim
- No: Não
- Please: Por favor
- Thank you: Obrigado (for a man) / Obrigada (for a woman)
- Excuse me: Desculpe
- How are you? : Como vai? or Como esta?
Eating and Drinking
When it comes to food and drink, Portugal has a lot to offer. From the fresh seafood to the famous custard tarts, the local cuisine is sure to please your taste buds. Knowing how to order a meal and asking for what you want is essential, so make sure to memorize the key phrases above.
When ordering drinks, it’s important to know the different types of wine available. Portugal is famous for its wine, and you’ll have the opportunity to try some truly unique and delicious varieties. Be sure to try “Vinho verde” a light and refreshing white wine from the Minho region. “Sangria” is also a popular drink and a great way to enjoy a glass of red wine. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, “Coffee” (café) and “Tea” (chá) are also widely available.
Some useful phrases to get you started out and about:
- “I would like” is eu quero
- “please” is por favor
- “a table for two please” is uma mesa para dois, por favor
- “the bill, please” is a conta, por favor
- “Water” is água
- “Beer” is cerveja
- “Wine” is vinho
- “White wine” is vinho branco
- “Red wine” is vinho tinto
- “Portuguese wine” is vinho português
- “Vinho verde” is a light and refreshing white wine from the Minho region
- “Sangria” is a popular red wine punch
- “Coffee” is café
- “Tea” is chá
- Bacalhau (cod fish)
- Cozido (a stew of meats and vegetables)
- Pastel de nata (custard tarts)
- Cataplana (seafood stew)
- Francesinha ( a sandwich filled with meat and cheese)
Travel
Lisbon is a compact city, and many digital nomads prefer to get around on foot or by using the efficient public transportation system. To take the metro, you’ll want to know how to say “ticket” (bilhete) and “single ride” (viagem única). If you’re taking the bus, you’ll need to know “I would like a ticket to” (eu quero um bilhete para) and the name of the destination. For example, “I would like a ticket to Belém” (eu quero um bilhete para Belém). Taxis are also a convenient option and you can simply ask the driver to take you to your destination.
Accommodation
As a digital nomad in Lisbon, finding the right accommodation can be a bit of a challenge. From short-term rentals to long-term leases, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few key phrases you’ll want to know when searching for a place to stay:
- I’m looking for a place to rent: Estou a procurar um apartamento para alugar
- How much is the rent per month?: Quanto é o aluguel por mês?
- How many bedrooms does it have?: Quantos quartos tem?
- Does it have internet and air conditioning?: Tem internet e ar condicionado?
- Can I see the apartment/house?: Posso ver o apartamento/casa?
When searching for accommodation, be prepared for a bit of negotiation. In Lisbon, it’s common for landlords to ask for a deposit (depósito) in addition to the first month’s rent. It’s also worth noting that many short-term rentals require a cleaning fee (taxa de limpeza) upon departure.
Numbers
Learning the numbers in Portuguese is essential for everything from ordering food and drinks, to shopping and transportation.
Here are a few key numbers to know:
- 1: um
- 2: dois
- 3: três
- 4: quatro
- 5: cinco
- 6: seis
- 7: sete
- 8: oito
- 9: nove
- 10: dez
- 20: vinte
- 30: trinta
- 40: quarenta
- 50: cinquenta
- 60: sessenta
- 70: setenta
- 80: oitenta
- 90: noventa
- 100: cem
- 1000: mil
When shopping or paying bills, it’s also useful to know the currency in Portugal is Euro, and you could say “How much is it?” (Quanto é?) and “Can I pay with a card?” (Posso pagar com cartão?)
As a digital nomad, I’ve found that having a basic knowledge of numbers has made my daily interactions much smoother. For example, knowing how to ask how much something costs or how to tell the taxi driver my destination in numbers has made my travels much easier. As you continue to learn and practice Portuguese, don’t forget to practice your numbers as well!
Resources for Learning Portuguese
When it comes to finding language learning resources and practicing Portuguese, there are a few things to consider. Hiring a private tutor or taking a language course at a local school or university can be a great option for more structured learning.
Additionally, language learning apps or websites, such as Duolingo or Babbel, can be a convenient and accessible way to practice on your own time. Some great resources include:
- Duolingo – one of the first major language apps (be warned – the Portuguese taught here is Brazilian Portuguese
- Babbel
- Memrise – great for building up your vocab – has videos of native speakers to help with pronunciation
- Practice Portuguese – this website is made by native speakers, and is probably the best thought out Portuguese course out there, highly recommended
- ITalki – video calls with native speakers and teachers, classes can start from $10/hour
Practicing speaking with native Portuguese speakers is also crucial, whether through conversation exchange groups or by hiring a language tutor. Immerse yourself in the language by listening to Portuguese music, watching Portuguese films, and reading Portuguese literature.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that it is natural to make mistakes when learning a new language, and locals will often appreciate your effort to speak their language. Don’t be too shy to speak out loud and practice your pronunciation. The more you practice, the better you will become.
It’s also important not to rely too heavily on translation apps, as they can sometimes give incorrect translations or miss important cultural context. It’s always best to ask a native speaker to confirm your understanding.
Living in Lisbon as a digital nomad has been an incredible experience. I have always been fascinated by the culture and the people, and learning the language has only deepened my appreciation for this beautiful city. I hope this beginner’s guide has been helpful, and I wish you all the best on your journey to mastering the Portuguese language!